The Lockheed SR-71 is unquestionably the world’s most recognizable airplane. It was a long-range, high-altitude strategic reconnaissance aircraft designed by the famed Kelly Johnson, head of the Lockheed Skunk Works division. Its first flight was on 22 December 1964, a development from the A-12 reconnaissance aircraft. Shortly thereafter they were assigned to the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, CA. With a crew of two, the SR-71 flew at Mach 3+ and an altitude of 80,000 plus feet. KC-135Q aerial tankers, using specialized JP-7 Jet fuel, were required to refuel the plane often since the J58 engines gulped fuel at an alarming rate. One SR-71 set a world speed record on 6 March 1990, flying from Los Angeles, CA to Washington, D.C., in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 20 seconds with an average speed of 2124 mph, marking this as the last military flight of the SR-71 Blackbird.

Doug Kinsley created Aviation Illustrations in 1989. Having drawn airplanes since he was a young boy with no formal art training, his love of airplanes has enabled him to draw in such detail that one would have to take a second look. Each drawing is thoroughly researched to insure historical accuracy with unmatched detail often taking up to 500 hours to complete. On a closer look, you will find loving tributes to his family in some of his drawings. His artwork is currently sold throughout the country in numerous aviation museums. One of his greatest honors was being invited to Jimmy Doolittle's home and having him sign his original B-25B drawing. Each lithograph is printed on heavy weight acid free paper and all small and medium prints are custom matted. Doug is retired from the USAF Reserves and live in Northern California with his wife and children.